Charles Dickens Research Paper

The years 1837 to 1901 mark the time period of the Victorian era in which Queen Victoria reigned. During this time, England was changing from a country founded on agriculture, to an industrialized, urban one. Peace and prosperity across Europe led to the development of an industrial revolution, which dramatically increased Europe's population. This brought the rise of the middle class, social reforms, and a growth in recreational pursuits, including religious holidays and inspiring literature. Many believed that the fundamental changes occurring in Britain meant progression, and were a source of hope and optimism. Others, including many writers during this time, looked at the problems in the world and dedicated their works of literature on

Charles Dickens, born in England on the seventh of February in 1812, is described as a prolific 19th Century author of short stories, plays, novels, novellas, and poems. During his “rising fame,” Dickens started to become well-known around the world because of his memorable characters, his depictions of the social classes, and the mores and values of his times. Many people considered Charles dickens a representative for the lower class and poor, with bringing awareness to their struggles and problems. Many of his characters were a reflection of his past and his experiences, such as the appalling working conditions during the era and his own personal childhood feeling of being abandoned and betrayed by his own parents. Among these works of literature, Dickens’ writings include many poems that fit perfectly into his novels. Charles Dickens’ poem, “The Song of the Wreck,” exemplifies the characteristics of modern fiction through the use of utilitarianism by also applying the attention to real-world problems, and its overall reflection on the optimism of the Victorian

During the Victorian Era, writers were asking ethical questions in many different ways in their literature. The use of utilitarianism became a very popular form of asking these ethical questions during this time. According to the Shmoop Editorial Team at Shmoop University, writers like Dickens wanted to show the other side, which included the question, what would happen to those who got sacrificed for the happiness of the majority (Shmoop Editorial Team)? This is clearly shown in Dickens’ poem, The Song of the Wreck, when the Seaman is written to be dying and telling “a trusty friend” to take care of the young child. “Until it sinks, when God's own ways shall teach us what is best” (Dickens, line 35-36) shows how the man is asking God what is moral and what is the right thing to do here. He wants to know if he should take his life to allow the child to live, or to let the child die and save himself. This is the ethical question of should one take their own life in attempt to save another, or should they save themselves and let the other die. This is a perfect example of the use of the philosophy of Utilitarianism exhibited in Charles Dickens poem, “The Song of the